Combination Exercise Apparatus and Suitcase

ABSTRACT

A combination exercise apparatus and article of luggage.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of portable exercise equipment. It may be difficult for a health-conscious and frequent traveler to get regular and effective exercise. The present invention enables a larger segment of the traveling population to exercise without the need to find a spa or gymnasium or to carry a separate set of luggage, specifically for their exercise equipment. The present invention can hold all of a traveler's belongings, offer them on-the-go exercise equipment and be stored as any normal suitcase could on in a car, bus, train or airplane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the number of health-conscious individuals has grown tremendously. In addition, the number of these health-conscious individuals who travel frequently, has also increased. Each person has their own motivation and desire as to when and where to exercise, and the type and number of exercises in which they wish to engage. Spas and gyms provide large numbers of individuals with a wide range of exercise devices; however, these require both membership and either staying within a certain locality or belonging to a national or international chain.

Furthermore, some people wish to exercise at within their office or hotel room through personal preference or constraints such as time or location. Therefore, a need exists for a means by which an individual can get a good workout, even while traveling, without the need of an expensive international spa or gym membership or expensive hotels with attached spas and gyms.

Furthermore, while there is currently a large variety of exercise equipment available, most users do not have the access to it. This equipment, which ranges from simple mats, steps and free weights, to large and complex multi-function machinery that may be computer controlled, such as treadmills, rowing and stepping machines. Most individuals are limited in the number and type of exercise devices they may own, generally as a result of the cost of such equipment and the space necessary to store and use the equipment. Even spas and gyms must be conscientious of the space required by each piece of equipment or the number of devices which they may provide to its users because they may become space-limiting. Thus, it is a desire to provide an exercise apparatus which may be conveniently stored and which is affordable to a traveler.

Individuals may commonly employ an exercise regimen where they work out at home or the spa or gym one or more times per week. These individuals generally find it desirable to maintain their regimen when traveling, such as when on a business trip or vacation. Further, as noted above, some individuals do not wish to work out in a spa or gym on all occasions, or ever, but prefer to work out at work. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide exercise equipment which is portable and easy to store and does not require separate means to transport it.

In addition to the foregoing, it is important to note that most individuals wish to engage in multiple exercises. For example, large numbers of individuals enjoy “step” exercises. These exercises involve stepping on and off a raised platform. These exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and work-out of the legs. In addition, the same individuals may wish to engage in strength and flexibility training involving other portions of the body, such as the arms, chest, shoulders and abdominals. For example, crunches, bicep curls, static holds, rowing and similar exercises are all well known for exercising various specific portions of the body.

Present exercise equipment is deficient in addressing the above-stated problems and preferences. For example, large multi-station weight machines provide a user with the opportunity to perform a large number of exercises. On the other hand, these machines are not transportable, and are generally large and expensive. Alternatively simple “steps” are available (including those which may be raised and lowered). These devices are easy to transport and relatively inexpensive, but afford the user very few exercises and requires the traveler to pack and carry not only a case for personal items but also pack and carry the step for aerobic exercise.

As a result of the above-stated problems and desires, there is a need for a piece of luggage, with an exercise device integrated with it, which is both compact and portable. In addition, it is desirable for the device to permit a wide range of exercises. Furthermore, it is desirable to have complete luggage-like storage capacity, in addition to the exercise functionality.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention comprises an article of luggage with an associated exercise apparatus, one or more methods of using the apparatus, one or more methods of exercising with the apparatus, and one or more methods of carrying, handling or using the article of luggage.

In one or more embodiments, the suitcase comprises a combination exercise apparatus and case comprising a front wall opposed back wall supported by a bottom wall and at least one side wall defining an interior space accessible by detaching the front wall from the side wall or walls from a closed to an open position with respect to the bottom wall or, in another embodiment, the side wall. The front wall may be closed with, without limitation: a zipper, a hook and pile connector, snaps, a drawstring or other closure methods well known in the art. The suitcase has at least one handle associated with the back or side wall for use by a user in moving the suitcase.

The suitcase may be of any standard or non-standard luggage size or configuration. The suitcase may be a standard prismatic rectangle sized to fit in an overhead compartment of a bus, train or airplane. The suitcase may be a large cargo bag configuration; for example, a Samsonite® Oyster 29″ Cartwheel. The suitcase may be a t-handle backpack. The suitcase may be hard case or soft case. These examples are given to be used for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered limiting the scope of the disclosure.

There may be at least one pulley handle removedly attached within an inset in the at least one side wall of the suitcase. The pulley handle may be held in with, without limitation: detente bearings, clips, magnets, a hook and pile attachment, straps, snaps or other attachment methods well known in the art. The inset may be polyformed, a pocket or other enclosure without limitation. The inset may be covered or may be left open.

In one or more embodiments, there is at least one resistive element for selective attachment to the pulley handle for use in an exercise by a user, at least one attachment point on the exterior of the back wall to which the at least one resistive element may be attached. The restive elements and the attachment points on the back wall may be covered or may be left uncovered.

In one or more embodiments, there may be at least one bar handle removedly attached within an inset in the at least one side wall of the suitcase. The bar handle may be one or more pieces and may require assembly. The bar handle may be configured to be, without limitation, a straight bar, a V-chin handle, a triceps rope, a triceps V-bar, grips, straps, a rotating bar or a lat bar or some combination of one or more of the handles previously mentioned.

The bar handle may be held in with, without limitation: detente bearings, clips, magnets, a hook and pile attachment, straps, snaps or other attachment methods well known in the art. The inset may be polyformed, a pocket or other enclosure without limitation. The inset may be covered or may be left open.

The bars, handles, grips, straps or other elements attached to the case may serve multiple functions: (1) As elements of the case to facilitate transporting or handling of the case. (2) As functional exercise elements. Additionally, by incorporating the same handles used for exercise functions into the functionality of the luggage the overall weight of the luggage is kept to a minimum.

An example of a dual purpose function of the case elements would be case wheels that have resistance adjustability. In this example a case-user could increase the wheels resistance by making an adjustment, when the case user now pulls the case through an airport the additional rolling resistance would increase the aerobic workout of the case user.

In one or more embodiments, the resistive elements may comprise elastic elements having, without limitation: a hook, snap, tie or other connective means at one end for coupling to the attachment point.

In one or more embodiments, the resistive element may be integrated into a resistance roller wheel mounted on the exterior of the back wall and a static connection may be made between the pulley handle and the either the resistance roller wheel or the at least one attachment point.

One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method of using the exercise apparatus. These methods include methods of transporting and arranging the apparatus for use.

One or more embodiments of the invention comprise methods of exercising using the apparatus. These methods include using the apparatus as an exercise suitcase/step and using the pulley handles or bar handle and resistive element(s) coupled to the suitcase in a variety of exercises.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings wherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the front of the preferred embodiment of the invention further showing the extended position of the pulling handle.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rear of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred embodiment of the invention further showing a detail of an attachment point of the resistive element.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred embodiment of the invention and a method of use.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the preferred embodiment of the invention and a method of use.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred embodiment of the invention and a method of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 consists of a base 102, a back face 202 (see FIG. 2) and a front face 106. In one embodiment of the invention, the side wall 104 may be further segmented into two side panels 104, 105 interposed between the bottom face 102 and a top portion 108. The top portion 108 further includes a handle 110. The handle 110 may be configured in a pull bar format or in any other useful shape or form. A cavity 112 in the top portion 108 may be hollow-formed to fit the handle 110 inside. An extendable and retractable pulling handle 114 (shown in its retracted position) may be recessed in a portion of the back face 202. The side wall 104 may include a hollow-formed cavity 118 to fit a pulley handle 116. The pulley handle 116 is removedly attached to the side wall 104 by a mechanical connection 120.

FIG. 1B further shows the extendable and retractable pulling handle 114 in its extended position.

Extender bars 128 allow the handle to be raised to a comfortable height to more easily pull the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. An upper external pocket 122 may be attached to the front face of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. A lower external pocket 124 may be attached to the front face of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. At least one wheel 126 may be attached to the side wall 104 or the base 102 of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2 which shows a rear perspective view of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. Handle 110 is shown in an exploded view removed from the hollow-formed cavity 112 of the top portion 108 of the side wall 104. Handle 114 is shown in its retracted position. Pulley handle 116 is shown in an exploded view removed from its hollow-formed cavity 118 and disconnected from its mechanical connection 120. In one embodiment, the mechanical connection 120 is a retractable pin which is inserted through a ring 204 affixed to the pulley handle 116. The back face 202 has at least one hollow-formed cavity to contain a resistive element 206 an upper attachment point 200 and a lower attachment point 224. The resistive element shown in this embodiment is a resistive band 206. The resistive band 206 has an elastic portion 208, an upper connector 210 and a lower connector 212. Either the upper connector 210 or the lower connector 212, or both, may be disconnected from the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a magnified inset of the at least one upper attachment points 200 for the resistive band 206 is shown. The upper connector 210 is pictured connected to an attachment point 212. The attachment point 212 is embedded in the wall 214 of the hollow-formed cavity 216 that houses the resistive band. A soft pliable material 218 may line the hollow-formed cavity 216 in order to “press-fit” the elastic portion 208 of the resistive band 206 into the hollow-formed cavity 216. A harder plastic material 220 may be used to outline the hollow-formed cavity 216 and protect the soft, pliable material 218. The connector 210 may include a spring-tensioned locking portion 222 to attach it securely to the attachment point 212.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the base 102 of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 is shown. The base 102 may include at least one additional attachment points 300. A magnified inset of the attachment point 300 shows a D-ring attachment 302 consisting of a curved portion 304 and a straight portion 306. A hollow-formed cavity 308 sized to fit the curved portion 304 of the D-ring attachment 302 is provided in the base 102. A soft pliable material 310 may line the hollow-formed cavity 308 in order to “press-fit” the curved portion 304 of the D-ring attachment 302. A harder plastic material 312 may be used to outline the hollow-formed cavity 308 and protect the soft, pliable material 310.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the exercise apparatus and article of luggage is used in one configuration by a user 500. The user 500, in a sitting position, braces his or her feet on the back face 202 of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage and grasps the handle 110. The handle 110 is connected to at least one resistive element 206 and is attached to at least one of the lower attachment points 224 on the back face 202. The user 500 may pull on the handle 110, extend his or her legs from a flexed to an extended position, bend at the abdomen or a combination any two or all three of the above to gain benefit from the physical exercise.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the user 500 stands on mat 600 which is hingedly attached to the base 102 and grasps at least one pulley handle 116 which has been removed from its hollow-formed cavity 118 in side wall 104. The at least one pulley handle 116 is connected to at least one resistive element 206 which in turn is connected to at least one attachment point 300 on the base 102. The user 500 may remain standing and pull on the pulley handles, alternately squat and rise or perform a combination of both to gain benefit from the physical exercise.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the user 500 is shown pulling the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 by the extendable and retractable pulling handle 114 which has been extended along the length of the extender bars 128 to a comfortable height. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 is shown rolling on the at least one wheel 128. 

We claim:
 1. An exercise apparatus and article of luggage wherein the article of luggage has a front wall and a back wall and a base and a plurality of at least one side wall removedly connected between the opposing front and back walls and wherein each wall has an interior and exterior face and further comprising: a. a plurality of at least one pulley handles removably attached to the exterior of the at least one side walls; b. a plurality of at least one first attachment point and at least one second attachment point inset in the exterior surface of the back wall; and c. a plurality of at least one resistive element with at least a first end and a second end wherein the first end is removedly attached by the first end to the at least one first attachment point and the second end to the at least one second attachment point on the outside surface of the back wall whereby the plurality of the at least one pulley handles may be removed from the exterior face of the article of luggage and removably attached to second end of the at least one resistive elements.
 2. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one resistive element is a resistive band.
 3. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one resistive element is a resistive wheel.
 4. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the exterior face of at least one wall further comprises at least one wheel rotatably affixed to the exterior face.
 5. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one pulley handle is two pulley handles.
 6. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one pulley handle is one of a plurality of inset handles.
 7. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment point is located on the exterior of the back wall.
 8. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment point is located on the base.
 9. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the article of luggage is a soft-sided case.
 10. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein the article of luggage is a hard-sided case.
 11. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 10 wherein the hard case is a step platform.
 12. A method for using an exercise apparatus and article of luggage wherein the article of luggage has a front wall and a back wall and a bottom wall and a plurality of at least one side wall removedly connected between the opposing front and back walls and wherein each wall has an interior and exterior face and further comprising the steps of: a. providing a plurality of at least one pulley handles removably attached to the exterior of the at least one side walls; b. providing a plurality of at least one first attachment point and at least one second attachment point inset in the exterior surface of the back wall; and c. providing a plurality of at least one resistive element with at least a first end and a second end wherein the first end is removedly attached by the first end to the at least one first attachment point and the second end to the at least one second attachment point on the outside surface of the back wall whereby the plurality of the at least one pulley handles may be removed from the exterior face of the article of luggage and removably attached to second end of the at least one resistive elements.
 13. The method for using the exercise apparatus and article of luggage according to claim 12 wherein the step of providing at least one resistive element further includes providing a resistive band.
 14. The method for using the exercise apparatus and article of luggage according to claim 12 wherein the step of providing the at least one resistive element further includes providing a resistive wheel.
 15. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the exterior face of at least one wall further includes providing at least one wheel rotatably affixed to the exterior face.
 16. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the at least one pulley handle further includes providing two pulley handles.
 17. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the at least one pulley handle further includes providing one of a plurality of inset handles.
 18. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the at least one attachment point further includes providing the at least one attachment point located on the exterior of the back wall.
 19. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the article of luggage further includes providing a soft-sided case.
 20. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12 wherein the step of providing the article of luggage further includes providing a hard-sided case. 